On Tuesday, the Longmont City Council honored the Stewart Family Foundation for its continued investment in the community.
Nearly 20 years ago, Lila Jean and Bill Stewart anonymously contributed $1 million to the Longmont Museum which allowed the facility to be built. The couple then contributed to the construction of the Stewart Auditorium — a 250-seat performing arts space.
The Longmont Museum launched a capital campaign to expand the building to include more gallery space including a space dedicated to children, a summer concert stage and an space for more summer camps.
The Stewart Family Foundation donated $5 million to the campaign. During the city council meeting, Erik Mason, director of the Longmont Museum, announced that the foundation will match all donations through the end of the year up to $100,000, including donations made to the museum’s capital campaign on Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 5.
“It’s a great opportunity that will get us much closer to our $8.1 million goal for the campaign,” Mason said.
The Stewart Family Foundation will also donate $100,000 to the Longmont Library in support of its Growing Longmont Readers Program. The program mails 100 books to 4-year-old children who live within the zip code areas of 80501, 80503 and 80504. Four books are mailed every week for six months to the homes of those enrolled in the program.
“The museum is a gem in our community and we thank you for allowing us to partner with you to have it in our community,” Mayor Joan Peck said.
